TKO 600 Reviews

Lew Ledyard · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 11:45 AM

Now that they have been out for a while, what are folks' views on the TKO 600? With the .82 OD, is it a better choice than a Top Loader behind a 500-600 hp/tq BB?

Cal Metal · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 02:10 PM

In terms of durability, the Toploader is a tough unit to beat. Regarding the .82 OD found with the Tremec, I have never looked at gas mileage as being a high priority item with a Cobra.

The review with the Tremec T56 hasn't been too favorable on this Forum. We will have to take a wait and see approach on the new 600.

Roger Vincent · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2005, 11:59 PM

I have a Tremec 600 TKO behind a 427W in an SPF with a 3.46 Dana rear end. I love the first four gears. For me, I wish I had ordered the .64 for fifth. As for gas mileage, not good (11 on the highway), but as Cal said, didn't buy it for that. Again, for me, 3k rpm at 80 is a bit high. Other than that, it seems solid, it shifts easy, no noise, I like it a lot, and I'm hard to please.
Roger, SPO 2080

The Dreamer · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 09:30 PM

I have a TKO sitting behind a KC Shelby engine and I love it. I have a 3.23 rear and that along with the 600 gearing allows me to control wagging my tail (sounds bad doesn't it) every time I take off. I cruise at 70 at about 2200. I'm getting 8 mpg (489 CI) so every little bit helps.

stm1 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2005, 10:33 PM

Lew:

I'm running a TKO 600 (.64 overdirve) behind a big block, with 3.54 rear end gears. At 70 MPH its right at 2000 RPM, and is relatively quiet when cruising down the highway. Shifts are positive and smooth. I run Red Line MTL fluid in it.

Stan

CoupedUp · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2005, 09:19 AM

I'm having the same dilemma right now. I have a SPF coupe on order and just ordered the motor - a Keith Craft 427w. I wanted to put in a TKO600, because I heard that in the relative quiet of the coupe it could be a bit noisy. The problem is that no matter which overdrive I pick, freeway cruising speed is either too low or too high with the stock 3:46 Dana rear end (2000 RPM at 74 MPH with the .64 or 2500 RPM at 72 MPH with the .82). I'm focused on that since I plan to use the car on long weekend trips from time to time.

Either way, I'm ordering it from Rockland Standard Gear (www.rsgear.com). I got a great tip from a VERY reputable source (Badger) on these guys and especially the work they do blueprinting the transmissions. Their prices are great, the blueprinting is relatively inexpensive and makes the unit quiet, smooth and bulletproof.

Doug

Bernica · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2005, 09:50 PM

If you're considering a toploader, check these guys. All they do is build and re-build toploaders....nothing else.

http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/

I personally think the right toploader is bullet-proof. Just hook it up with the right rear ratio and go.

Good luck.

-Michael Bernica

CC5S · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2005, 09:54 PM

For what its worth:

90% of the Tremec TKO's we sold have been the TKO 600 (.64). Most guys want fun gears (1,2,3,4) and when they hit 5th they want to cruise (low RPM). If you are road race guy with your car and need RPM's up when you hit 5th then you need the TKO 600 (.82). Also would need to look at TKO 600 (.82) if you have 3.08 or so rear gears and you can not drop your RPM that much. But if you have 3.36/3.55/3.73/etc rear gears.. should look hard at the TKO 600 (.64)

This calculator will help you look at RPM level:

http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/RPM_calculator.swf

The TKO 500 is not really that popular because of its VERY low 1st gear (3.27)

Hope it helps,

Ibr8k4vetts · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 06:25 AM

Dose anyone know how much taller the TKO 600 is over the Toploader from the center of the mainshaft to the top? I'm not sure if it will fit in my car. Thanks.

66cobraboy · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 07:40 AM

I have a TKO 600 With .82 Overdrive 3.31 rear.replaced a small shaft toploader . The TKO is great.I have not had no trouble with it and it shifts great.Would do again.

Eric

rblong · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 09:25 PM

TKO600 behind a KC 580 hp engine, 3.25 rear, .84OD, 17" wheels and it is a great combination.

LMH · #12 (**permalink**) 07-10-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibr8k4vetts

Dose anyone know how much taller the TKO 600 is over the Toploader from the center of the mainshaft to the top? I'm not sure if it will fit in my car. Thanks.

Not sure if this will help Mike because I don't know the demensions of the top loader. But you might look at this:
http://www.5speedtransmission.com/dimensions.html

By the way, scroll down and check out the TKO shifter stub.
Larry

Tony Aprile · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 05:20 AM

I have a ford crate 460 with over 500 ft/lbs of TQ. I ditched the TKO for the TKO 600.
I use 275/60 15 rear tires and replaced the original SPF 3.73's with 3.27's. Now with the 2.87 first gear and .82 fifth gear the Cobra is is pleasure to drive. and cruising at 70 just over 2000 rpms is very comfortable for me.

Dwight · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 07:59 AM

I installed a 600 ( .64 ) in my Cobra this winter. Drove 1245 miles round trip to London, 6 passes down main street, a few burn out and I like it so far. Less than 2000 miles on the trannie. It shifts great. I got 22.25 mpg on the London trip. I have a 5.0 EFI 10.2 compression, 3:55 gears and 25.25 inch rear tires. Cruise 70 mph at 2000 rpm. I like this new 600. Dwight

xlr8or · #15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2006, 08:40 AM

I have been abusing my TKO600 for about 2800 miles and I love it. Haven't missed or ground a gear yet and the .64 5th makes for 2200 RPM at 80 MPH.

I have been very pleased with it.